Regular health checks are an important step in preventative care. Signs of health issues that are caught early have higher chances of effective treatment. How often someone should get a health check depends on age, health, family history, and lifestyle choices. Read on to learn how often you should have a health check-up.
Why Regular Health Check-Ups Matter
Regardless of being in good health, seeing a doctor regularly keeps an eye out for signs of medical problems, assesses the risk of developing medical problems, and encourages a healthy lifestyle. It’s also an important factor in staying up to date on vaccinations. A doctor can advise a patient about how often they should have a health check.
During a health check, a doctor will ask questions about personal medical history, family medical history, lifestyle, substance use, diet and exercise habits, and weight. If it is learned that a patient has a high-risk factor for a certain condition, a doctor will likely advise having frequent health checks at an early age.
It’s important to note that it’s not just the physical health that should be regularly checked. Maintaining mental health can have an impact on physical health. Baltimore Therapy Group helps patients keep their mental health consistent by providing access to online therapy. Patients can easily schedule secure teletherapy sessions and meet with therapists via video chat. Baltimore Therapy Group offers teletherapy for individuals, couples, and groups.
Common Health Checks
There are several health checks for the heart including blood pressure, blood tests to monitor cholesterol and blood triglycerides, obesity tests, and electrocardiograms. Testing for diabetes requires a fasting blood sugar level test that, depending on risk factors, should be done every one-to-three years.
Eyesight naturally deteriorates with age and there are some serious conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts that are more common with age. Adults who use prescription glasses should have their eyes examined annually, while adults who don’t need a prescription should have an eye exam every two years.
Regular breast cancer screening is important for women between 50-69 years old who should get mammogram screenings every two years. Men should discuss with their doctors whether or not they should have a health check for prostate cancer.
Routine health checks and physical exams should be included in most health insurance plans. Not all insurance plans are created equal, which is why it is important to compare health insurance options with iSelect. Customers can easily compare health insurance providers based on individual needs and budget, and then purchase a policy through iSelect. The best way to take charge of health is to have access to needed medical services.
At Home Health Checks
There are several basic health checks that can be done at home in between regular doctor visits. Those adults who go without drinking alcohol at least two days a week and only drink two standard drinks per sitting tend to have better long-term health. Keep teeth healthy between professional cleanings with daily brushing and eating a low-sugar diet.
Proper nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy diet, as is regular physical activity. At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily benefits mental health, the heart, and bones. Adults should check their skin for strange-looking moles or freckles, especially those who spend a lot of time outdoors or who have fair skin.
It’s well-known that smoking tobacco greatly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and weakened bones. Maintaining a healthy weight is important to the prevention of long-term diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. A doctor can assess weight by calculating a person’s Body Mass Index or by comparing a person’s height to weight.
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